From Sweat to Strain: An Epidemiological Analysis of Training-Related Injuries in CrossFit®.

Abstract

This study aims to conduct an epidemiological investigation into the types and causes of injuries during CrossFit® training in Germany. Voluntary athletes from various German CrossFit® gyms participated, providing personal information, training habits, and details on injuries through a standardized questionnaire. The study involved 308 participants, with an equal sex split, a peak age of 20-40, and a BMI of 24.3 ± 3.3 kg/m2. Most participants trained for over two years (49.4%), primarily in supervised groups. Motivations for engaging in CrossFit® included health prevention (33.1%), athletic training (32.8%), and work-life balance support (17%). Injuries were reported by 28.6% of participants, with 61.4% experiencing single injuries. The majority of injuries (55.3%) occurred during the middle of workouts. Injury types included wounds (23.3%), contusions, sprains, or strains (cumulative 30.8%), and fractures (2.9%). Almost all injured individuals (96.5%) had a time-loss injury, with a return to sport ranging from a day to over three months. Treatments varied, with 50.6% not requiring medical intervention, 34.1% undergoing physiotherapy, 21.2% receiving medication and 8.2% needing surgery. Barbell exercises, notably Snatch and Clean, were main exercises with association to injuries, accounting for 36.3%. The Box Jump stood out as the exercise with the highest isolated injury prevalence (14.3%). Notable injury causes included falls during Pull-Ups and lumbar disc herniation linked to Deadlifts. Following injuries, 45.8% of participants made training adjustments. This study provides an epidemiological investigation into the types and causes of injuries during CrossFit® training in Germany. The shoulder and knee joint exhibited the highest injury prevalence. Barbell exercises, box jumps, and bar pull-ups were identified as major exercises with association to injuries. Prevention through technical training and the incorporation of soft boxes could reduce the risk of injuries in CrossFit®.